BRITAIN’S “loneliest house” could be yours for £250,000 but prospective buyers should be aware it comes with a huge catch.
Number 3 Blea Moor Cottages is so isolated anyone wanting to view the property must walk for 20 minutes to get there as it is in one of the most remote parts of the Yorkshire Dales.
7
7
7
The property was originally listed by agents Fisher Hopper last summer for £300,000.
But due to its unique location, it has struggled to sell even as an Airbnb, and has now seen its asking price reduced to £250,000.
The cottage needs complete renovation with paint peeling from the walls, signs of damp and holes in the floor – although it might be difficult to get builders in due to the remote location.
But it does sit on the Three Peaks Challenge route as well as the Settle to Carlisle Railway, so it might suit trainspotters.
The 1940’s former railway worker’s cottage is one of a row of three but the others have been demolished.
Its postal address is Chapel-le-Dale, a hamlet in the civil parish of Ingleton, North Yorkshire.
It is 12 miles from the town of Hawes and seven miles to Ingleton.
It was built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, who ran the nearby Settle to Carlisle line, and is next to the Blea Moor signal box, the most isolated in England that Network Rail still staffs.
Most read in Money
It has a store room, kitchen, pantry, living room and hall downstairs and three double bedrooms with a bathroom leading from one of them.
A description on Rightmove from agents Fisher Hopper reads: “Exciting renovation project in a stunningly beautiful location.
“Three Bleamoor Cottages is a former railway worker’s home situated on the main hiking path up Whernside, in the Yorkshire Dales.
“Adjacent to the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line above Ribblehead, the property presents an interesting investment, with a range of potential commercial opportunities apparent: private holiday home; unique Airbnb style experience; bunkhouse or refreshment stop on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge route.
“Plans will be subject to the necessary consents – this is in the heart of the National Park – but for the right buyer with vision, there is great potential here.”
And it adds: “Due to the unusual nature of the location, interested parties are advised that it is a 20 minute walk from the parking at Ribblehead Viaduct to reach this property.”
Parking is at nearby Ribblehead Viaduct, 26 miles south east of Kendal.
However the 20 minutes can also be done by 4X4 or quad bike.
It will also cost the new owner £125 a year for vehicle access.
The house was previously owned by reclusive John Myerscough.
He used a windmill and generator for power, Calor Gas cylinders for cooking, a stove for heat and had water transported to the house by trailer.
There was no mains sewage, but instead septic tank which has since been disconnected.
Because the house needs extensive work, it is not known how kitchen fitters and other utility providers would access the property.
The cottage will have a high footfall however – 200,000 people attempt the Three Peaks Challenge each year, with many others tackling the Whernside mountain alone.
7
7
7
7
